Spiced Clove Plum Cake

My parents lived in india for many years as import/export gem dealers before they immigrated to the United States to expand their business. My mother learned this recipe from her indian employees, who would regularly celebrate Christmas with a plum cake. It is a moist, dense, dark brown cake steeped in a liquefied apricot preserve, which caramelizes at the top to form a splendid crunch. Richly flavored with aromatic spices, this is a dessert that can be eaten all year round. It’s great with